Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Wright College?
Dedicated faculty, committed administration, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities with digital equipment, advanced computer lab optimized for 3D imaging, and world class clinical sites are only a few of the reasons to choose Wright. Our graduates earn an AAS degree, pass the national certification examination and are in demand in the workforce. Choose Wright and you will receive a well rounded education that will prepare you for a rewarding future in medical imaging.
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How do I apply to the program?
A separate application process is in place for the program. Entry into the college does not guarantee admission to the program. You can download a complete Information Packet that includes an application if you CLICK HERE. An application can also be obtained by calling 773-481-8880 and requesting that one be sent to you in the mail.
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How do I submit my transcripts?
Submit official copies of your transcripts to our office, NOT the Registrar’s office. Have them sent to:
Wright College
Radiography Program
4300 N. Narragansett Ave.
Room L-281
Chicago, IL 60634
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Will I be placed on a waiting list if I don’t get accepted?
No. Students not accepted for a given year must reapply for the next year. Details of this procedure are contained in the letter all applicants receive once acceptance decisions are made.
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Will letters of recommendation help my chance of acceptance?
No. With the large numbers of applicants we have each year, we do no use recommendation letters as part of the acceptance process.
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Can I take evening classes?
General education courses can be taken any time that fits your schedule, day or evening. The radiography courses and clinical experiences are only available during the day, typically between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
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Can I take the program part-time?
Yes and no. The professional courses offered during the first two semesters total less than a full-time load, so these semesters are technically part time. Classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays in the fall, and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the spring of the first year. The final 16 months are full time however, and that’s 8 hours per day, 5 days a week Monday-Friday.
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How much does the program cost?
The fees listed below are typical approximate costs undertaken in the 24 month AAS degree program in radiography for those students living within the city limits of Chicago. Tuition costs for other students are substantially higher (refer to the current Wright College Catalog.) These figures are subject to change without notice. Note also that this includes the full costs of attending the program. If a student has taken courses at other institutions, then the total will be considerably less.
| Tuition: Gen Ed Courses (17 cr. hr @ $72.00 per hr.) |
|
$1224.00 |
| Tuition: Professional Courses (58 cr. hr @ $72.00 per hr.) |
|
4176.00 |
| Registration fees (6 @ $25.00) |
|
150.00 |
| Lab Fees (20 @ $20.00) |
|
400.00 |
| Activity Fees (6 @ $100.00) |
|
600.00 |
| Books |
|
600.00 |
| Uniforms/lab coat/shoes |
|
250.00 |
| Health Insurance |
|
360.00 |
| Physical examinations |
|
250.00 |
| ARRT test fee |
|
150.00 |
| Total |
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$8160.00 |
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What is your job placement rate?
For the past several years, all of our graduates seeking employment have been successful in finding a position within six (6) months of graduation. While the program does not guarantee a job after graduation our graduates are often employed by the affiliates at which they gain their clinical experience. In addition, our graduates are well regarded in the medical community.
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What’s your success rate?
For the past several years we have a 98% pass rate on the first try on the National certification examination. We have a 100% pass rate on the second try.
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How much money will I make?
Typical salaries for full-time employment are in the range of $44,000–46,000 per year.
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Do I need a license to work in this field?
Yes. You must be licensed in the State of Illinois to work as a radiographer. Graduates of the program who pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists National Certification Examination are eligible for an active state license.
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Can I choose my clinical site?
No. You have no choice in selecting your clinical site. The faculty makes the assignments. There are a number of educational factors that go into making the decision. Students are assigned to a minimum of two major sites. Students can choose some of the elective clinical rotations.
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Is the program accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. They are the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit radiography programs. We are fully accredited for an eight (8) year period, the maximum granted.
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How many students do you accept?
We accept thirty (30) students each year in the fall semester only. We keep the class size small to ensure quality instruction and to improve our graduates’ opportunities for job placement.
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What can I do if I think the program isn’t doing its job?
Any individual or group, including students, graduates, faculty, clinical staff or the public, who believes that the program is guilty of any unfair practice in education or noncompliance with the national STANDARDS has to opportunity to bring the allegation to the attention of the program director and the JRCERT.
The complainant must submit a signed letter identifying the allegation to the program director. The program director will review the allegation and submit a written response within 5 business days. Copies of the allegation and resolution will be kept in the program files.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the response from the program director, the next step is to submit the allegation in writing along with the program director’s response directly to the JRCERT Chief Executive Officer. The JRCERT website is www.jrcert.org.
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What guidelines does the program have to follow to assure me a quality education?
The program complies with the standards established by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, our national accrediting body. This assures students that they are receiving the necessary academic and clinical material necessary to enable them to be eligible for the national certification examination after graduation and be eligible for the workforce. For more information on our national standards, CLICK HERE
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Are there evening or weekend clinical requirements?
In general, students are not assigned to evening or weekend clinical duties. The routine time frame is the normal daytime hours Monday through Friday. There will only be a one two-week period during the last summer of the program when students will be assigned from noon to 8:00 PM. Refer to the typical schedule for the days of the week students are generally assigned.
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Will I have to take a drug test?
Clinical education, the time spent in direct patient care experiences, begins during the Spring semester, well after a student has begun the program. In order for any student to be assigned to a hospital to obtain this vital clinical experience, an agreement must be in place between the hospital and Wright College. It is possible that hospitals may begin requiring drug screening prior to the start of a student’s clinical experience. This may become part of the necessary physical examination. The approximate cost of drug screening is $200.00. Currently, drug screening is not required by any of our affiliate hospitals. Further information will be made available if this does become standard practice.
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Will there be a criminal background check?
The State of Illinois has implemented Public Act No. 89–197, the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. This law requires a criminal background check on all applicants applying for jobs with direct patient contact. Part of the employment process will include a criminal background investigation for felony convictions. Individuals with a felony conviction in their background may not be eligible for employment. This law also requires a criminal background check of students in radiography programs. A student who is denied admission to an institution because of a failed criminal background check will be required to withdraw from the program.
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What if I have a criminal record?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is the organization that administers the national certification examination. The ARRT has specific eligibility requirements and restrictions. Candidates must be of good moral character. Generally, the conviction of either a felony, or any offense, misdemeanor or felony, involving moral turpitude may indicate a lack of good moral character for Registry purposes. Individuals in this situation will not be eligible for the national certification and thus should not enroll in a radiography program
If you have been convicted of a crime you feel may affect your eligibility for national certification, we suggest you contact the ARRT as soon as possible to determine your eligibility status. The first step is to go to the Ethics section of the ARRT web site for information. The web address is www.arrt.org.
If you don’t find the answers there contact the ARRT Ethics Department at 651-687-0048, ext. 580. You may also write them at
ARRT
1255 Northland Dr
St. Paul, MN 55120
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What is the difference between a college-based and hospital-based program?
While both types of programs lead to eligibility for the same national certification examination, only a college based program provides full college credit for all your course work. Both types of programs are generally 24 months long. Why spend that much time and not earn any college credit? With an AAS degree you can easily transfer to a four-year institution to earn your BS degree. For example, graduates of Wright’s program can transfer all their course work to the College of St. Francis and enroll at the junior level. In addition, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, our national professional organization, recommends the Associate Degree as the entry level status for all radiographers.
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